November is National Diabetes Month and a few local health organizations are helping to educate the community on how to better prevent, manage and live with diabetes.

Covenant Health Plainview is teaming up with the Hale County Health Department and Wayland Baptist University to hold free community talks and screenings, including for the first-time ever, an all-Spanish language diabetes class lead by local physician, Dr. Sergio Lara at 5:30 p.m. in the Hale County Health Department on Nov. 15.

"I think this is a wonderful opportunity to educate our community about diabetes, its early signs and symptoms, long term consequences and treatment options," said Lara.

"The idea is to dedicate time to answering questions and clarifying misconceptions in a different setting than a doctor's office."

First, on Nov. 12, Carolyn Dillard, RN with Wayland Baptist University will host a diabetes talk as a part of her monthly Focus on Your Health public education forums. Along with Pam Pollard, RN of Covenant Health Plainview, the program will break down facts and misconceptions of the disease. They will also perform free glucose screening with a simple finger stick. The community talk will run from 6-7 p.m. inside the Pete and Nelda Laney Center, room 208.

The following Thursday, Lara will host the all-Spanish talk at the Hale County Health Department located at 111 E. 10th Street. The free class will focus on the diagnosis, treatment and complications that can come with diabetes. In the final portion of the program, Lara will answer questions from the group.

And on Friday, Covenant Health Plainview will provide free non-fasting diabetes screenings from 6:30-9:45 a.m. at the Plainview YMCA located at 313 Ennis Street.